More than 47 million Americans who receive food stamps will see their benefits go down, just as Congress has begun negotiations on further cuts to the program.

A temporary benefit from the 2009 economic stimulus was no longer available as of Friday. According to the Agriculture Department, that means a family of four receiving food stamps will start receiving $36 less a month.

Talks began Wednesday on a wide-ranging farm bill, including cuts to SNAP.

The benefits, which go to 1 in 7 Americans, fluctuate based on factors that include food prices, inflation and income. The rolls have swelled as the economy has struggled, with the stimulus providing higher benefits and many people signing up for the first time.

As a result, the program has more than doubled in cost, to almost $80 billion a year, since 2008. That increase in spending has turned the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program into a target for House Republicans looking to reduce spending.

Legislation passed by the GOP-controlled House would cut food stamps by an additional $4 billion annually and tighten eligibility requirements. The House bill would also end government waivers that have allowed able-bodied adults without dependents to receive food stamps indefinitely and allow states to put broad new work requirements in place.

The Senate farm bill would cut a tenth of the House amount, with Democrats and President Barack Obama opposing major cuts.

Farm-state lawmakers have been pushing the farm bill for more than two years. If the bill is not passed by the end of the year and current farm law is not extended, certain dairy supports would expire that could raise the price of milk.

There are numerous crop insurance plans that farmers can purchase, each requiring different premiums based on the coverage they provide. In the past, the government helped offset this cost.

If the government doesn't contribute as much and the premiums are too costly, farmers will likely either plant fewer crops or go out of business, said Bruce Nelson, financial representative in Belvidere with Country Financial.

"It's been very important the last few years because our weather has been so volatile," he said. "Last year, we had a severe drought, and this year has been a good growing season, but the prices are down."